Phoenix Elementary board approves one‑time $1,400 payment to staff, funded from cash accounts

The Phoenix Elementary School District No. 1 governing board voted to approve a one‑time, prorated performance‑based compensation (PBC) payment of up to $1,400 for eligible employees.

CFO Aaron Whittle told trustees the payout would be funded from district cash accounts rather than M&O budgeted accounts. Whittle identified the specific cash accounts that would contribute: fund 010 (classroom site fund) for instructional staff, fund 290 (Medicaid) for ESS staff, fund 510 (food service) for nutrition service staff, and fund 570 (indirect) for support and administration staff. He explained the differences between budgeted accounts (subject to statutory spending controls and paid through the year) and cash accounts (liquid balances the district can use for one‑time expenditures).

Whittle described the eligibility windows: employees hired on or before Nov. 21 will be paid in December; those hired Nov. 22–Mar. 6 will be paid in May 2026; employees hired after Mar. 6 are ineligible. He also said the distribution requires adoption of a 301 performance-based compensation plan; eligible certified staff had approved the proposed plan by an 89% yes vote in an internal survey.

Public comment at the meeting included multiple pleas from teachers and staff for the payment before winter break. April Pettit, president of PECTA, told the board the $1,400 is “not a bonus” for many employees but a relief that would affect whether families can cover holiday expenses.

President Trujillo moved to approve the cash‑accounts one‑time payment; the motion was seconded by a board member and approved by voice vote.